Five Cool Ways to Break Your Kids’ Cabin Fever
by Carrie Havranek
Yes, we have been blessed with a mild winter—or cursed, depending on your view of global climate change. Whatever the case, it’s still February, at least for another week, and we may still get socked with cold snowy weather. We’ve got a plan to get the kids out of the house and keep them entertained.
1. Nurture Nature Center, Easton. Go and see the amazing Science on a Sphere, special talks about issues such as marcellus shale (March 28), do yoga under the sphere (March 4), take a community art workshop (March 11) and picnic under the sphere with the family (March 17). And that’s just for starters. 516 Northampton Street, Easton; 610-253-4432.
2. DaVinci Science Center, Allentown. Visitors of all ages can enjoy the interactive experience of building with Keva planks at the center, check out the beetles, scorpions, Ratty, the rat snake, and hissing cockroaches (yes, you read that correctly.) 3145 Hamilton Blvd. Bypass, Allentown; 484-664-1002.
3. Outside. Anywhere. The Arts Trail in Easton is a current favorite for us, along with the miles of rails-to-trails along the Delaware and Lehigh River. And Trexler Nature Preserve works, too.
4. Lehigh Valley Zoo. What better way to get out of the house than to take a trip to our very own zoo? Watch the penguin feeding twice a day, and observe more than 275 animals representing 70 species. 5150 Game Preserve Road, Schnecksville; 610-799-4171.
5. Peas and Qs, Bethlehem. This free weekly family event at the ArtsQuest complex focuses on music and movement and runs every Saturday from 11am-12pm noon. On Saturday, February 25, singer-songwriter Meg Russell will engage kids of all ages with her interactive performance. Every Saturday brings a different focus, but the program incorporates art, storytelling, films, clowns, magic, music and more. Capital Blue Cross Creativity Commons, ArtsQuest at SteelStax, SouthSide Bethlehem; 610-297-7100.
As much as Easton writer Carrie Havranek has enjoyed getting out nearly every weekend for walks and hikes, she wishes we could get one more snowstorm before spring has sprung.
Peacock photo courtesy of Lehigh Valley Zoo. Check out their Facebook page and help them get to 5,000 likes! You can also follow them on twitter.